Suspected bandits on Tuesday attacked the construction site of the 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State.
The attackers, who fired shots sporadically, destroyed a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, setting back the government’s plans to boost power generation.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported the incident in a statement signed by its General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mbah stated that the attack occurred on Tuesday, November 12 around 11:55 pm.
The new Obajana Transmission Substation, once completed, is expected to significantly improve power supply for Kogi State and nearby regions with its 1X150MVA 330/132/33kV capacity.
The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria announces that armed men invaded the construction site of its ongoing 330/132/33kV transmission substation in Obajana, Kogi State.
“The attack occurred on the night of November 12, 2024, at approximately 11:55 pm.
“According to reports from security personnel at the site, the assailants opened fire indiscriminately, causing the guards to flee.
“During the attack, a 150MVA 330/132/33kV power transformer, already positioned on its plinth, was struck, resulting in a burst radiator.”
The statement added that the company, in response to the incident, had commenced an evaluation of the damaged equipment.
She said, “In response to the incident, TCN is evaluating the level of damage in collaboration with the contractor managing the project.
“This incident is part of a broader pattern of vandalism targeting transmission infrastructure across the country.”
Last Sunday, the company expressed concern over the increasing trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers, thus severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure.
This concern followed a fresh attack on its 330kV Lokoja –Gwagwalada transmission line one, with the vandals damaging transmission towers T306, T307, and T308.
